We dive into the evolution of dairy cattle welfare, tracing its roots from the 1960's to today, and explore how legislative approaches in Europe contrast with consumer-driven changes in North America, sparked by undercover videos and industry responses like the FARM and ProAction programs. The discussion highlights major milestones, including the end of tail docking, improved handling of down cows, and the growing emphasis on pain management and enrichment. Looking ahead, we examine how we can balance science, ethics, and consumer expectations as the industry shifts towards more process-based welfare standards.